Mito Plum Blossom Festival (Kairakuen)
Roughly 3,000 plum trees in over 60 varieties scent one of Japan's Three Great Gardens, drawing crowds for taiko, tea ceremony and geisha dances.
When · Where
- When
- 2027/02/12 23:00 – 2027/03/21
- Where
- Kairakuen Garden（1-3-3 Tokiwacho, Mito, Ibaraki）
- City
- Across Japan
- Getting there
- Short walk from JR Kairakuen Station (seasonal) or ~20 min by bus from JR Mito Station.
- Price
- Inner garden ~¥300 for non-residents; festival grounds largely free.
- Organizer
- Mito Tourism & Convention Association
Good to know for visitors
- Getting there
- Short walk from JR Kairakuen Station (seasonal) or ~20 min by bus from JR Mito Station. Open directions in Google Maps ↗
- Booking & entry
- Check tickets and details on the official page (button above).
- Paying
- Inner garden ~¥300 for non-residents; festival grounds largely free.. Smaller venues in Japan are often cash-first — carry some yen (cards/IC not guaranteed).
- Language
- Mostly in Japanese — a translation app on your phone helps.
- Good for
- culture seekers, families
Highlights
- About 3,000 plum trees of 60+ varieties
- Taiko, tea ceremony and geisha performances
- One of Japan's Three Great Gardens
Background & story
Kairakuen was opened in 1842 by the Mito lord Tokugawa Nariaki as a garden for the people; the festival celebrates its early-spring plum blooms.
Good to know
Visit a weekday morning to avoid crowds and catch the freshest fragrance.